Compression massage instrument



y 6, 1958 P. F. KLINE I 2,833,277

' COMPRESSION MASSAGE INSTRUMENT Filed Nov. 22, 1954 PARK F. KLINE lhwentor I (Ittomeg United tates COMPRESSION MASSAGE INSTRUMENT Park F. Kline, McClure, Pa.

Application November 22, 1954, Serial No. 470,415

9 Claims. c1. 128-85) The present improvements relate to pressure applicator devices, and more particularly to an improved deep compression massage instrument for use by authorized practitioners in the treatment of human beings'by zone therapy.

Generally speaking, zone therapy relates to treatment of the nerves of the human body by pressure. It was discovered in about 1913, by Dr. Wm. H. FitzGeraid. He divided the body into ten longitudinal zones, five on either side of a line drawn up the middle ofthe body.

He explains that these zones have their origin in thethumb, first, second, third and fourth fingers, running up the hand and arm, over the face and head, down the back and front of the body and ending in the feet and toes which correspond with the hand and fingers.

It is now recognized that every organ, gland and part of the body is represented on the feet and hands by nerve endings. These nerve endings always lie in the same zones on the feet and hands as the parts of the body they represent. An experienced doctor or layman can quickly find the exact zone and spot on the foot for any ailing part of the body, by observing the zone or zones it is in. When he applies a firmpressure 0n the spot with the thumb, the spot will feel tender. This tender feeling is due to a formation of crystalline deposits on the nerve endings which have collected there. These crystalline deposits are composed. of waste products of the body, which deposit on the nerve endings, due to the electrical nature of the nerves. In most cases, even a sickly person does not realize he has tender spots on the hands or feet until someone applies pressure onthem, then they will hurt.

in treating disorders of the body by the use of Zone therapy, it is necessary in some way to dissolve, dissipate or destroy these crystalline deposits around the nerve centers that are causing the disorder. accomplished now, by the use of the thumb by most practitioners. Pressure is brought to bear with the thumb against the nerve area being worked. This tends to loosen and free the crystals from the nerve endings. After this is accomplished, proper nerve function will usually be attained in the organ or part being treated, and healing will result from natural functions of the body.

it will be apparent that after hours of work on patients, the thumb soon becomes very fatigued, because a considerable amount of motion and pressure may be needed to produce the desired results. Moreoventhe skin of the practitioner, as well as the patient, may become raw and chafed.

A primary object of the present improvements, therefore, is to provide a mechanical instrument which not only is a substitute for the thumb of the practitioner, but also serves to dissolve or dissipate the crystalline deposits in a more eliicient manner. v

A further object of the improvements isto provide a novelv instrument, which is operated electrically, for applying deep compression messageto nerves and nerve This is largely 2,833,277 Patented May 6, 1 958 endings which are disposed fairly deep within the body tissues.

Another object is to provide a ball applicator device of the type described, which is restricted in its dimensions so as to reach deep-seated nerves, and also which can be applied with ease in the spaces between and at the roots of the toes and fingers.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a vibrating or oscillating instrument which supplies impacts by an eccentric weight to a ballpoint applicator in a direction axially of the revolving weight.

A11 improved instrument of the character described,

which may be readily adjustable by use of the hands and without interrupting use of the instrument, serves as a further object. The provision of an instrument of this type, in which the weight may be readily adjustable by one hand and without the use of a second hand, conpressure to deep-seated nerve terminals, without chafing the skin of the patient/ The novel instrument is also designed for causing vibration or oscillation of the ball applicator in an oval plane, at right angles to the axis of this instrument.

These and-other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a complete view of the preferred embodiment of'the improvements, some parts broken away, others in phantom.

Figure 2 is a vertical section of the interior of the housing and related parts, with certain parts removed for clarification.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the parts shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of they eccentric weight shown in its innermost adjusted position, other parts being omitted. a I

Figure 5 is a front elevation of the weight.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the plate of the rotating shaft. I

Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the weight.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of one of the sleevesr Figure 9 is a side view partly in section, illustrating the ball point applicator.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view of the applicator inare handle 1, casing 2, locking shield 3, ball support 4, the ball point applicator 5, and collar 6. The handle 1 and shield 3 are shown in phantom. Although the handle 1 is preferably made of wood, and collar 6 of rubber, the other portions of the device are preferably made of metal, and while the ball 5 is preferably made of metal, it may be formed of plastic material.

A rotatable collar 6 is disposed between the upper'limit s' of handle 1 and the lower limits of easing 2, and has integral therewith a depending sleeve element 7, which extends loosely within and is surrounded by handle 1. A housing 8 is disposed within the sleeve 7 and handle 1, and consists of a hollow tubular member more clearly illustrated in Figure 2 and terminates at its upper region in annular walls? and 10, defining recess areas for ac,

. other.

commodating larger portions of the device. The exterior of wall is screw threaded for receiving casing 2. The handle 1 and housing 8 have a screw connection 11 whereby-those two parts are fixed with respect to each This fixed relation of parts also serves to retain collar 6 and sleeve 7 in position. It will be seen, therefore, upon reference to Figure 1 that when the handle 1 is held inyone hand, the other hand may grip collar 6, which with sleeve 7, rnay be rotated relative to both handle 1 and housing 8. both clockwise and counter clockwise, ,which enables the user to effect adjustmentsin the device as hereinafter described. This may be accomplished, if desired, by the use of only one hand.

Mechanism for creating and imparting vibrations to the ball points are provided within the handle 1, casing 2 and housing 8. They consist of a shaft 12 whose lower end is provided with a gear 13, to which may be removably secured the flexible cable of a typical electric motor (not shown) mounted on a pedestal (not shown).

- In devices of this character, it is clear that upon switching on the electric motor, the flexible cable imparts a rotary motiomto the shaft 12. That mechanism is conventional and forms no part, of the present improvements.

It is desirable in imparting shocks or vibrations to the ball 5, that means be provided not only for creating such shocks or blows, but for controlling the degree of impact, by providing adjustable features. Accordingly, in the present improvements, as shown more particularly in Figure 2, a weight 14 is provided, for rotation with, but eccentric to shaft 12. The uppermost portion of shaft 12 is hollow as shownat 15, and its open upper end, has

fixed thereto, a circular plate 16 (see Figure 6) which rests for free rotation, on the surface of the annular recess formed by wall 10. Ball bearings 35, beneath plate 16 serve to facilitate and improve rotation of the parts. The weight 14 is provided with an integral base plate 17 (see Figure 7) which is provided with a slot 18, cavity 19 and stud 20.. As seen in Figure 2, the weight 14 and base plate 17 restion plate 16 and rotate therewith by virtue of stud20 extending downwardly intogroove 21 in plate 16. The plate 17 is confined and removably attached to plate 16,,by screwl22, which retains an L-shaped bracket 23 in fixed relation with plate 16. t

It will beseen'from the foregoining relation of parts that with the stud 20 riding ingroove 21 and the slot 18 in registry with screw 22, the weight 14 and plate 17 may be moved from the leftposition in Figure 2 to the right position in Figure 4, or to any position between the two. In order to assist in retaining the weight in any of these positions of adjustment, a coil spring 24 is provided, extending from bracket 23 into the recessed face of weight 14. It will be seen therefore, that weight 14 is capable of rotation with shaft 12 and also may be moved transversely relativeto the axis of shaft 12, to numerous positions eccentric to the axis, whereby upon totation, the degree of shock or impact of the revolving weight is controlled- If the shaft and weight are rotating in the position of parts shown inFigure 2, the greatest degree of shoclcor impact will be imparted to the ball 5, while with the weight in the position illustrated 'in Figure 4, the least degree of shock or impact is imparted. In

It is this relative movement, i

4 similar vertically disposed cavity 27 in the weight 14. Accordingly, as seen in Figure 2, when plug 25 and cam 26 are moved upwardly, the weight 14 will be moved to the right, and may be moved as far as the location illustrated in Figure 4, where it is held by cam 26, against compressed spring 24. During such movement, cam 26 enters cavity 27. Upon lowering of the plug and cam, spring 24 urges plate 17 to the left and returns the weight to any intermediate position and holds the plate 17 in constant engagement with the cam 26.

It is apparent therefore that the vertical reciprocation of plug 25 and cam 26 produces a horizontal reciprocation in the weight 14. This reciprocation is accomplished manually as heretofore referred to, by rotating collar 6 in either direction. 'It will be seen, upon reference to Figures 1 and 8, that sleeve 7, secured to collar 6, is provided with a helical groove 28. Projecting into said groove, is a screw stud 29 attached to a cylindrical cage 30, which surrounds shaft 12 and is disposed between the shaft and the housing 8.

The screw 29 extends through vertical slot 31 in housing 8, thereby preventing rotation of cage 30, but permitting movement axially of the housing. This cage 30 will be seen (in Figure 2) to envelop a sleeve 32, which surrounds shaft 12. However, since there is no fixed connection between cage 30 and sleeve 32, the vertical movement of cage 30, will impart vertical movement to sleeve 32, although also permitting sleeve 32 to rotate at will with shaft 12, as now described.

As seen in Figure 2, one wall of shaft 12 is provided with a slot33- and extending through that slot is a screw 34 whichintegrally connects sleeve 32 with plug 25, which actuates cam 26. It is apparent, therefore, that with r0- tation of sleeve 7, the helical groove will cause screw stud 29 ,to be advanced axially of the shaft, thereby causing cage 30, sleeve 32, plug 25 and cam 26 to be moved in a direction longitudinally of the shaft. Accordingly, rotation of the collar 6 in either direction will cause movement of the cam 26 and the weight 14 in either direction. It is obvious that the cam is narrow and fiat to permit entry into cavities. 19 and 27, and groove 21.

a It is significant therefore, that the user may grip handle 1 with the palm and fingers of one hand (in his fist, so to speak) withhis thumb extended along the instrument and in engagement with the rubber surface of collar 6. By pressing the thumb against the collar to insure traction, movement of the thumb clockwise or counter clockwise will causerotation of sleeve 7, and therefore adjustment of the weight 14. This may be achieved with the shaft and weight either at rest or in motion. The second hand of the operator is therefore left free for other duties. disposing the thumb-actuated collar 6 between handle 1 and ball 5, and the nerve area worked upon, no interruption of the treatment occurs. Moreover, the operators attention is not distracted, while weight adjustments are made with the thumb. In this connection, attention is invited to the fact that the exact size of the instrument of the present improvements is shown in Figure 1.

Special attention is invited to the disclosure in Figure 9. The ball point applicator 5, has a fixed depending spindle 5', which is freely and rotatably mounted in support 40. This support 40 however, is rcmcvably gripped Figure 4 the weight is illustrated at its innermost position,

which is just slightly off center. 9 Mechanism for readilyadjusting' theposition of weight 14 will now be described. ,It is noteworthy that the means provided for this adjustmentmay be manually actuated by and disposed within socket 4' of ball support 4. Figure 1.) It is noteworthy upon reference to Figure 1 that the socket 4' comprises split skirt sections which define a socket for receiving support 40 and spindle 5'. In the assembly of parts shown in Figure l, with the shield or cap 3 screwed home to full position, the shield urges the skirt portions together, and they envelop and exert a firm grip or flock on the lower and larger portion of support 40, so that 40 cannot be moved. Accordingly, the outerannular end of the neck of support 40 provides a steady journal for the freely rotatable spindle 5 and ball 5. Ready replacement of the support 40 with ball 5 is therefore afforded by merely unscrewing shield 3,

(Sec

hi until the grip of socket 4 is eased. It isapparent that ball support 4 is an integral part of casing 2.

i It will be seen with the parts in the locked position just described, that the snug fit provided by the journal of support 40, enables free rotation of ball 5 and spindle 5' about the vertical axis of the instrument but other movement of the ball relative to the instrument is prevented. This action of the ball applicator 5, is clearly a swivel movement about a fixed axis, as defined in certain claims.

It is not uncommon in zone therapy treatments for the practitioner to apply pressure with the thumb for a half hour to a full hours duration. It is apparent therefore, that fatigue cannot help but impair the efiiciency of the practitioner and the duration of the treatment. Accordingly, the present improvements provide a mechanical substitute for the thumb in a field of body treatment which has not heretofore had instruments for applying pressure. It is significant that these treatments, and consequently the use of the present improvements, are for the direct application of pressure to the nerves, and accordingly are to be distinguished from devices for massage of the skin and muscles, and devices to pro-mote circulation of the blood.

In use, the instrument of the present improvements is held in the hand by handle 1, at an angle to the hand or foot, with the ball applicator resting against the particular nerve center being treated. When the motor is adjusted for the proper speed, the weight 14 rotates and the ball point applicator oscillates or vibrates with respect to the axis of the eccentric weight and shaft (5% Figure Since the applicator ball is mounted on a freely turning spindle, the ball rolls freely over the area of the body being treated. When firm pressure is brought to bear against the nerve area, the ball rolls over the tissues with an oval oscillating motion. When the tissues are soft, the rolling ball assumes a more natural oscillatory circular motion.

In some circumstances a very firm pressure is needed to reach deep seated nerve tissues. When this is necessary the instrument is not gripped by the handle 1, but by casing 2. This grip permits a more firm pressure and better control of position of the applicator ball. Inasmuch as the present improvements were designed for a specific purpose, the ball must be round and mounted directly in actual alignment with, and ahead of, the housing 1, on a thin stem or spindle. This is very important in zone therapy treatment so that nerve endings can be reached and treated, which have heretofore been inaccessible by any instrument. As a matter of fact, the very small ball applicator 5, having restricted dimensions, is far more efiicient, due to its small size, than the thumb has been in applying treatments in the past. If a ball applicator were provided about the size of the thumb or larger, then the nerve endings between the toes or between tendons or bones, or other nerve endings, which are deep seated in the tissues, could not be reached.

Although the present inmprovements contemplate the replacement of the ball applicator 5 by other balls of slightly different dimensions, the success of the improvements, interalia, depends largely on employment of a restricted spherical element for imparting the impacts 'of the eccentric weight mechanism to areas of the hands and feet having limited dimensions.

It will be apparent that the revolving eccentric weight 14, will impart to the handle, casing, socket, spindle, and ball, an oscillating and vibratory motion which, when held against the parts of the body to be treated, will apply (along with manual operation by the operator) sufficient disturbances, beneath the skin and muscles, to shatter or break up the crystalline deposits about the nerve terminals. This transitory vibrating motion in a crosswise manner, causes breaking up of the crystals like a hammer, so that the small particles of crystalline deposit may be dissipated and absorbed by the blood.

It is significant that the applicator ball is mounted directly in the center and at the end of the instrument, in alignment with the instrument rather than at an angle thereto. This permits better access to the parts to be treated from almost. any angle encountered. Furthermore, the design of the instrument permits a grip on it at many locations along the handle or casing, enabling the operator to work in very close quarters and apply treatments to deep tissues. This refinement enables better .pentration of the, tissues by the impacts of the revolving weight.

in treating certain disorders, the use of the present improvements attacks the crystalline deposits at the nerve terminals. Certain troubles have heretofore been treated by compression-massage with the thumb of the operator on the nerve terminals in the hands .andfeet of the patient. This device, however, is designed to apply pressure at such terminals in treating various ailments, in place of the use of the thumb.

It is apparent therefore, that the duration of treatment is no longer restricted to the endurance of the practitioner and his thumb. Moreover, there is no chafing or rubbing of the 'skin of the patient, because the free rolling ball applies desired pressure without chafing or breaking the skin of the patient.

It is further significant in all the treatments where the present improvements are employed, that the operator may hold the ball applicator in the area to be treated with the right 'hand; and, without removing the pressure, may actuate the collar 6 with his thumb, thereby adjusting the weight 14 and varying the degree of impact created andtransmitted to the patient. The other hand of the operator is obviously free to hold the hand or foot of the patient, and the treatment may continue without interruption.

It is apparent, from the foregoing description, that those skilled in the art, may resort to various changes and modifications of the improvements, without departing from the purview of the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A zone-therapy compression-massage device comprising a handle, a housing within said handle, a hollow rotatable shaft within said housing, a weight operatively connected to said shaft and rotatable therewith, said weight being eccentrically mounted with said shaft, and adjustable *with respect to the axis of the shaft, a cam within said shaft and engaging said weight for varying its position, a sleeve within said housing and surrounding said shaft and operatively connected to said cam, a second sleeve within said handle surrounding said housing and first sleeve and operatively connected to said first sleeve, a fixed connection between said handle and housing, means for moving said sleeves and cam relative to said handle, and a ball point applicator freely mounted at one end of said device and in axial alignment with the shaft and handle.

2. A zone-therapy compression-massage device comprising a handle, a housing within said handle, a hollow rotatable shaft within said housing, a weight operatively connected to said shaft and rotatable therewith, said weight being eccentrically mounted with said shaft, and adjustable with respect to the axis of the shaft, a cam within said shaft and moveable longitudinally thereof for engaging said weight for varying its position, a sleeve within said housing and surrounding said shaft and operatively connected to said cam, a second sleeve within said handle surrounding said housing and first sleeve, a helical slot and pin device connecting said sleeves, a fixed connection between said handle and housing, a collar secured to said second sleeve for moving said first sleeve and 'cam relative to said handle, and a ball point applicator freely mounted at one end of said device and in axial alignment with the shaft and handle.

3. A zone-therapy compression-massage device com prising a handle, a housing within said handle, a hollow rotatable shaft within said housing, a weight operatively connected to said shaft and rotatable therewith, said weight being eccentrically mounted with said shaft, and adjustable with respect tothe axis of the shaft, a cam within said shaft and moveable longitudinally thereof for engaging said weight for varying its position, a sleeve within said housing and surrounding said shaft and operatively connected to said cam, a second sleeve within said handle surrounding said housing and first sleeve, a helical slot and pin device connecting said sleeves, a fixed connection between said handle and housing, a collar secured to said second sleeve for moving said first sleeve and cam relative to said handle, a socket in axial alignment with said shaft and handle,

and a freely rotatable ball point applicator releasably sc cured in said socket.

4. A zonetherapy compression-massage device comprising a handle, a housing within said handle, a hollow rotatable shaft, within said housing, a weightoperatively connected, to,said shaft and rotatable therewith, 'a cas ing in axial alignment with said handle and enveloping said Weight, a releasable connection between said cas-- ing and housing, said weight being eccentrically mounted with said shaft, and adjustable: with respect to the axis of the shaft, a cam within said shaft and moveable longitudinally thereof for engaging said weight for varying its position, a sleevewithinsaid housing and surroundirig said shaft and operatively connected to said cam, a second sleeve within said handle surrounding said housing and firstsleevea'helical slot and pin deviceconnecting said sleeves, a fixed connection between said handle and housing, a collar secured to said second sleeve for moving said first sleeve and cam relative to said handle, a socket releasably secured to said casing, said socket disposed in axial ali-gnment'with said shaft, handle and casing, and a freely rotatable ball point applicator re-,

leasably secured-in said socket. V

5. A zone-therapy compression-massage device comprising a handle, a housing within said handle, a hollow rotatabletshaft within said housing,'a weightoperatively connectedfto said shaft and rotatable therewith, said weight being eccentrically mounted with said shaft and adjustablewith respect to the axis of the shaft, a cylindrical plug within said shaft, a cam fixed to saidplug, said plug and cam being moveable longitudinally of the shaft for engaging said weight for varying its position, a sleeve within said housing and surrounding said shaft and operatively connected to said cam, a cage enveloping said sleeve, a second sleevewithin saidhandle surrounding said housing, cage, and first sleeve, a-helical slot and pin device connecting said second named sleeve and cage, a fixedconnection between said handle and housing, a collar secured to said second sleeve for moving'said cage,

firstsleeve cam relative to said handle, a socket in axial alignment with said shaft and handle, and a freely rotatable ball point applicator releasably, secured in said socket, I t H 6. A zone-therapy compression-massage ,device comprising a handle, ahousing withinsaidhandle, a hollow rotatable shaft within said housingja weight'operatively connected to said shaft and rotatable therewith, said weight being eccentrically mounted with, said shaft and adjustable with respect to the axis ,ofz'the' shaft, a spring maintaining said weight in eccentric position, a cylindrical plug within said shaft, a cam fixed :.to said plug, said plug and cam being moveable longitudinally of theshaft for engaging said weight for varying its position, a sleeve within said housing and surrounding said shaft and opera tively connected to said cam, a cage enveloping said sleeve, asecond sleeve within said handle, surrounding said housing, cage, and first sleeve, a helical slot and pin device connecting said second named sleeve and cage, a fixed connection between-said handle and housing, a collar secured, to said second sleeve for moving said cage,

first sleeve and cam relative to said handle, a socket in axial alignment with said shaft and handle, and a freely rotatable ball point applicator releasably secured in said socket.

7. A zone-therapy compression-massage device for use between fingers and toes comprising a handle, a housing within said handle, a hollow rotatable shaft Within said housing, a weight operatively connected to said shaft and rotatable therewith, said weight being eccentrically mounted with said shaft, and adjustable with respect to the axis of the shaft, a cam within said shaft and moveable longitudinally thereof for engaging said weight for varying itsposition, a sleeve within said housing and surrounding said shaft and fixed to said cam, 21 second slccvc within said handle surrounding said housing and first sleeve, a helical slot and pin device connecting said sleeves, a fixed connection between said handle and housing, a collar secured to said second sleeve for moving said first sleeve and cam relative to said handle, and a restricted diameter ball point applicator freely mounted at one cnd of said device and in axial alignment with the shaft and handle.

8. A zone-therapy compression-massage device comprising a handle, a housing within said handle, a hollow rotatable shaft within said housing, ball bearing members surrounding said shaft, a Weight operatively connected .tosaid shaft and rotatable, therewith, said weight being eccentrically mounted with said shaft and adjustable with respect to the axis of the shaft, a cylindrical plug within said shaft, a cam fixed to said plug, said plug and cam being moveable longitudinally of the shaft for engaging said weight for varying its position, a sleeve within said housing and surrounding said shaft and operatively connected to said cam, a cage enveloping said sleeve, a second sleeve within said handle surrounding said housing, cage, and first sleeve, a helical slot and pin device connecting said second named sleeve and cage, a fixed conell) nection between said handle and housing, a collar secured to said second sleeve for moving said cage, first sleeve and cam relative to said handle, a socket in axial alignment with said shaft and handle, and a freely rotatable ball point applicator releasably secured in said socket.

9. A zone-therapy compression-massage device comprising a handle, a collar aligned with said handle and flush therewith, a housing within said handle and collar, v

a hollow rotatable shaft within said housing, a weight operatively connected to said shaft and rotatable therewith, a casing in axial alignment with said handle and enveloping said weight, a releasable connection between said casing and housing, said weight being eccentrically mounted with said shaft, and adjustable with respect to the axis of the shaft, a cam within said shaft and moveable longitudinally thereof for engaging said weight for varying its position, a sleeve Within said housing and surrounding said shaft and operatively connected'to said cam, 21 second sleeve attached to said collar, said second sleeve disposed within said handle, and surrounding said housing and first sleeve, a helical slot and pin device connecting said sleeves, a fixed connection between said handle and housing, a socket releasably secured to said casing, said socket disposed in axial alignment with said shaft, handle and casing, and a freely rotatable ball point applicator releasably secured in said socket.

References Citedin the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 942,299 Wiking Dec. 7, 1909 2,074,735 Puttcamp Mar. '23, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTS 6,817 Great Britain Mar. 21, 1906 511,099 Great Britain Aug. 14, 1939 530,752 Germany July 31, 1931 

